The Battle of Mylae, fought in 36 BCE during the Wars of the Second Triumvirate, stands as a significant naval engagement between the forces of Octavian (later Emperor Augustus) and the fleet commanded by Sextus Pompeius, who was one of the leading opposition figures in the conflict. This battle, fought off the coast of Sicily near the town of Mylae (modern-day Milazzo), was part of the broader struggle for control of the Mediterranean during the civil wars that followed the assassination of Julius Caesar.
Context of the Battle
The Wars of the Second Triumvirate, a series of civil wars from 43 BCE to 36 BCE, saw the struggle between the forces of Octavian, Mark Antony, and Lepidus on one side, and the supporters of Pompey the Great, who had been resurrected through his son, Sextus Pompeius. Sextus Pompeius controlled large portions of the Mediterranean, particularly the western part, including Sicily, which was a crucial hub for trade and military operations. Octavian, on the other hand, was trying to consolidate his power and control over Rome and its vast territories, including the Mediterranean Sea, which was the lifeblood of Roman commerce and military supremacy.
Sextus Pompeius had effectively established a naval blockade, disrupting Roman grain shipments and holding sway over much of the Mediterranean. This put him in direct opposition to Octavian’s ambitions, and the battle of Mylae became a critical moment in their rivalry.
The Participants
The two primary participants in the Battle of Mylae were Octavian and Sextus Pompeius. Octavian, who would later become the first Roman emperor, had consolidated his control over much of the western Roman Empire but still had to eliminate Pompey’s forces, which were threatening Rome’s supply lines. On the other side, Sextus Pompeius, the son of the legendary Pompey the Great, was not only a formidable naval commander but also a significant political rival. His ability to control a powerful fleet had made him a key player in the politics of the Roman world.
Octavian’s forces consisted mainly of veteran soldiers and naval forces, including fleets stationed in key ports such as Messina. Pompey’s forces, although less organized due to the challenges of piracy and the pressures of maintaining control over scattered territories, still posed a serious threat, especially with their well-maintained ships and experienced sailors.
The Battle
The battle took place in the waters off Mylae, a strategic location near the northeastern tip of Sicily. Octavian’s fleet, commanded by his naval officers, engaged with Pompey’s forces in a clash that would determine the fate of the Mediterranean. The two fleets met in a pitched naval battle, with the advantage initially appearing to tilt toward Pompey’s experienced commanders. However, Octavian’s forces, under the leadership of Agrippa, mounted an effective counteroffensive, using tactical maneuvers and superior naval formations to outflank and isolate Pompey’s fleet.
Despite the strong resistance put up by Pompey’s forces, Octavian’s fleet eventually gained the upper hand. The engagement was marked by intense fighting, and although no decisive victory emerged—no side could claim complete dominance—the battle effectively neutralized Pompey’s ability to maintain control over key strategic ports and trade routes in the western Mediterranean. The result was a stalemate, but a costly one for Pompey, who was forced to retreat, losing much of his naval power.
Aftermath and Impact
While the outcome of the Battle of Mylae was a draw, the strategic consequences were far-reaching. Octavian’s forces, despite not securing a complete victory, had severely weakened Pompey’s fleet and diminished his influence over Sicily and the surrounding regions. This loss of control effectively crippled Pompey’s position in the ongoing conflict, leaving him unable to continue his blockade of Rome and its territories.
In the larger context of the Wars of the Second Triumvirate, the battle represented a turning point. Although Pompey continued to pose a threat to Octavian and his allies, the momentum was now firmly in Octavian’s favor. Octavian’s eventual victory over Pompey’s forces in subsequent naval engagements led to the consolidation of his power and the ultimate fall of Pompey’s faction.
For Octavian, the Battle of Mylae also marked a significant moment in his military career. His naval command under Agrippa demonstrated his growing strategic acumen and his ability to command effectively on the sea, a vital aspect of Roman military operations during this period.
In the broader historical context, the Wars of the Second Triumvirate ultimately set the stage for the final rise of Octavian as the unchallenged ruler of Rome. By 31 BCE, after the defeat of Mark Antony and Cleopatra, Octavian became Augustus, the first emperor of Rome, ushering in a new era of Roman imperial rule. The legacy of his victory at Mylae, while not an immediate victory, was a critical moment that helped shape the future of the Roman Empire.
Conclusion
The Battle of Mylae in 36 BCE, though a tactical draw, was a significant event in the Wars of the Second Triumvirate. The naval engagement underscored the ongoing struggle for dominance in the Mediterranean and highlighted the critical role that naval power would play in the future of Roman politics and warfare. For Octavian, the battle represented a key step in his rise to power, and for Pompey, it marked the beginning of the decline of his ambitions. Although the outcome was not definitive, the strategic consequences reverberated throughout the rest of the war, setting the stage for the eventual victory of Octavian and the rise of the Roman Empire under his rule.